Devils win OT hockey playoff thriller

March 02, 2011

CHEBOYGAN — The Gaylord hockey team fought and battled all night long in their Pre-Regional opener against Cheboygan Monday, and was rewarded with a 3-2 overtime victory. Sophomore Trevor Raymond cashed in the game-winner in extra time, making good on a nice feed from senior Dugan Kelly, who had a goal and two assists on the night. "The kids played really hard," said Gaylord coach Pete Wilkinson. "It was a great game to be a part of — an excellent win for our program." The game was back-and-forth from the start. Cheboygan carried a lot of the early play and scored on their first shot of the game. Gaylord (11-13-1) was able to re-take some momentum late in the period when Kelly was dragged down from behind while racing to the net. He was awarded a penalty shot and made good on it, beating the Chiefs' Nick Watson. It was the start of an outstanding night for Kelly. "He played the best game in his career," Wilkinson said. That play was a bit of irony for Wilkinson and the Blue Devils, who lost a Pre-Regional battle to Sault Ste. Marie two seasons ago on a penalty shot at the same arena, with the same officiating crew. Gaylord went ahead 2-1 in the second period when Kelly set up senior Regan Quaal for a blast from the point. The shot bounced off of Watson, and sophomore Trevor Adams was johnny-on-the-spot to tap home his first career goal. Gaylord had a number of great chances in the third period, but could not seal the deal. That sent the game to overtime, where it was Cheboygan who jumped ahead early. The Blue Devils wouldn't had been in the position to win had it not been for sophomore goaltender Peter Lawton, who made some great saves in the extra frame, including a beautiful glove-hand stop just before the game-winner. That play was set up when Kelly drove hard and collected two defenders before sliding the puck to Raymond, who went from his backhand to forehand to beat Watson. "The kids were ecstatic," Wilkinson said. Wilkinson credited Quaal with a great game on the back line, as well as forwards Sam Black, Jay Lindgren and Raymond. They won't have much time to celebrate. Up next is a battle with Sault Ste. Marie, who easily handled Gaylord twice in the regular season. The game will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday in Cheboygan. Sault mercied Petoskey 8-0 in its game Monday. "We've faced them in this same situation the past three years and we know they're a good team," Wilkinson said. "We've got to go out and play disciplined and not afford them too many opportunities on the power play."